Losing teams often relegate players over 30 to the bench as mentors to the younger players tasked with making the franchise relevant again. Despite reduced playing time, many players embrace this role and thrive in their newfound abilities as glue players and locker room veterans. Evan FournierHowever, who refused a two-year contract from the Washington Wizards and signed a contract to play with Olympiacos in Europe instead.

In a recent reportThe Frenchman explained that he did not want to play the role of mentor to the Wizards’ young players, nor did he want to play for a bottom-of-the-table team. He also said he still wants to compete at a high level, hence his choice to stay in Europe, according to Maxine Aubin of The Team, via Bleacher Report.

The wizards came calling

France guard Evan Fournier (10) shoots against United States center Anthony Davis (14) in the second half of the men's basketball gold medal match at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games at Accor Arena.
© Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

There’s no real criticism of Evan Fournier’s decision to play in Europe instead of the Wizards. At 31, he’s still relatively young for a professional basketball player and he can still play at a high level. For example, he was one of the best players on the French team that won silver at the 2024 Olympics, averaging 9.8 points as the team’s third-leading scorer.

Fournier also had a respectable 12-year NBA career, playing for various teams such as the Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics and New York Knicks. Additionally, he averaged 13.6 points on 44.1% shooting, becoming a valuable role player capable of leading offenses and getting on the line.

His best years came with the Orlando Magic, where he averaged 16.2 points and 3.0 assists for a team adjusting to life after Dwight Howard. Fournier then played for a rival team, the Celtics, who then traded him to the Knicks, where he eventually faded from the rotation.

After another trade with the Detroit Pistons, Fournier signed a two-year contract with Olympiacos in the offseason.

What’s next in Washington?

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It’s tough for a team when even the most skilled role players don’t want to play for you, but that’s been the way of life for the Wizards over the last two seasons. However, the Wiz wisely decided to cut their losses last season and rejuvenate their roster. Bradley Beal traded to Phoenix Suns, send Kristaps Porzingis to the Boston CelticsAnd get Jordan Poole from the Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors’ scoring guard also needed a reset after a disappointing season that began in training camp, when Draymond Green punched Poole in the facedestroying the team’s cohesion just after a championship season. With Poole and Kyle Kuzma at the helm, the Wizards slipped to a 15-67 record, one win better than the Detroit Pistons’ 14-68 mark.

While it’s hard to say when the Wizards might become relevant again, it’s safe to say it won’t happen anytime soon. If you were Evan Fournier, would you have made the same choice?

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